Attending Pet Events with Your Pet

Kaiser2016

Well-Known Member
I'm a big fan of pet events and even though cats and birds get some representation, it is really all about dogs. I thought it would be a great idea to hear from everyone what benefits they have found from going to these things and any drawbacks or tips.

Pros:
  • Dog learns to handle a crowd and stay close to me.
  • They're exhausted afterwards!
  • Easier to fit clothing items on the spot.
  • Special pricing and coupons for later use.
  • Tons of freebies! Look for the big name vendors and hit them up first. Last year I hardly had to buy any treats as we had so many free samples.
  • You get to see so many different dogs!
  • Great learning opportunity.
Cons:
  • Everyone wants to meet your dog - I don't mind this, but some of you would.
  • Your dog will eat every treat sample and love it - not great if your dog is on a diet :whistle:
  • Dog skirmishes do happen so you have to watch body language carefully.
Tips:
  • Do prong the dog for maximum control.
  • Bring cash!
  • Wear a backpack and comfortable shoes.
  • Bring poop bags, accidents are bound to happen!
 
Not sure what events you are talking about. I do know, you are not supposed to bring you pets to AKC conformation or obedience shows. This is also the same for IPO trials.
 
I would add under cons other pet owners. Some owners allow bad behavior and even call it cute. While others just don't understand their dog doesn't belong at social events. If something should happen, the dobe gets blamed.
 
Not sure what events you are talking about. I do know, you are not supposed to bring you pets to AKC conformation or obedience shows. This is also the same for IPO trials.
Important distinction! For any competitive activity it is the same here. "Pet events" would be places where your pets can come with you and where the theme is pet related and all the vendors deal in pet stuff - food, clothing and toys, and services like training, grooming, etc. Always best to check websites for any restrictions on animal attendance.
 
We had a big pet adoption event down by the river at our park. All the local shelters, vets, food places were there so I took Kodak down through it. It was a blast and Kodak was so good. Some dogs were out walking with the handlers that were up for adoption while others were in the cages. We got approached quite a bit to be asked if they could pet Kodak and I didn’t mind. I even got asked a couple times is that dog for adoption? Lol! I was like oh no way he is mine. I had no issues at this event, even other dog owners that were there had very well mannered dogs and we passed quite a few with no problems. It was a good time. I always bring my water bottle that I have for him which has a dish that attaches to the side of it. Pops right off and you can pour a bit of water in it. I think it’s great to work your dog through a crowd and I enjoy all the questions from people about the breed and teaching them just how friendly they really are.
 
We take Rubie to everything imaginable: restaurants, breweries, parades, 5Ks, minor league baseball games, and of course, anything geared toward dogs: pet store events (easter egg hunt, ice cream social, Halloween pet parade, etc.), Tails on the Trails (at the local Arboretum). We're going on a dog river cruise in about a month.

There are definitely a lot of pro's and con's. We will be wearing a Do Not Pet, In Training Vest whenever we're in such a place with Rubie. I have a 'traffic leash' that we can use for super tight quarters (it's about 12" long so she can't wander). Bring treats and have them readily available. Most importantly, you have to be aware of literally everything going on around you. I don't know how many times we've been in any situation and I'll tell my BF, "Those dogs walking toward us are NOT in control" so we avoid them.

I think you need an expectations column!
Start small and work up to big/loud/busy things. Don't expect to have a 'relaxing' time. Expect that you might have to leave early if your dog isn't feeling it. Expect to tell people you'd rather not have them approach your dog. That last one is hard for my BF so we've actually talked through how to tell someone we don't want them to pet our dog. "thank you for asking but we're just going to keep moving," "we're working on him/her focusing on us so not this time but thank you for asking," etc.

We do bring our own water because some dogs can get possessive of watering holes.
 
It was a blast and Kodak was so good. Some dogs were out walking with the handlers that were up for adoption while others were in the cages. We got approached quite a bit to be asked if they could pet Kodak and I didn’t mind. I even got asked a couple times is that dog for adoption? Lol! I was like oh no way he is mine.
It is amazing how different they act in that environment. Like night time walks. I love to see the switch. Jekyll and Hyde lol. If people love on him too much I just say "wanna keep him?" :woot2:
 
Odyssey I can take anywhere and she is a hit no matter where we go. Young old tall short boy girl everyone loves her and she's all about it. Brinks on the other hand... he couldn't care less about strangers. He's very aloof and could take ya or leave ya. DOGS on the other hand totally different story, too interested in a best case scenario in which I make it a point to tell him it's none of his business and to continue on our way. It also trips him out when he sees a person carrying a toddler, all I can imagine is that he thinks they're trying to kidnap the kid or something.
 
I think you need an expectations column!
Start small and work up to big/loud/busy things. Don't expect to have a 'relaxing' time. Expect that you might have to leave early if your dog isn't feeling it. Expect to tell people you'd rather not have them approach your dog. That last one is hard for my BF so we've actually talked through how to tell someone we don't want them to pet our dog. "thank you for asking but we're just going to keep moving," "we're working on him/her focusing on us so not this time but thank you for asking," etc.
I knew you'd have some good ideas! Agree that it's not always relaxing especially when you first arrive. An outdoor event may get too hot for your dog and they may refuse to eat/drink around other animals. Take a break if it's too intense.

If you're attending with a partner, agree ahead of time what you'll be allowing - this is an important one - my hb let K off leash in an enclosed area to play while I was busy. Hello, you did that without me to see it AND you didn't take any pics?
 
I knew you'd have some good ideas! Agree that it's not always relaxing especially when you first arrive. An outdoor event may get too hot for your dog and they may refuse to eat/drink around other animals. Take a break if it's too intense.

If you're attending with a partner, agree ahead of time what you'll be allowing - this is an important one - my hb let K off leash in an enclosed area to play while I was busy. Hello, you did that without me to see it AND you didn't take any pics?

When we went to the Arboretum a couple of weeks ago with Moose, we knew one of us would have to stay back with him while the Doberman group did their walk. Just stuff like that. Thinking of all scenarios!
 

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